COLUMBIA, S.C. — The City of Columbia is making money available to non-profit organizations that promote tourism and dining in the city. Applications for Hospitality Tax (H-Tax) Grant Funding to support nonprofits' organization and their projects and events are now being accepted -- the deadline to submit an application is noon, Friday, October 28, 2022.
Funding is available for events/projects taking place between January 1 and June 30, 2023.
Guidelines for application eligibility state in order to be eligible for H-Tax Grant Funds, the organizations/projects/events must:
- meet one of the stated uses described in SC State Law Code 6-1-730 for Hospitality Tax Uses -- expenses must be directly in support of one of the following: tourism-related buildings including civic centers, coliseums, and aquariums; tourism-related cultural, recreational, and historic facilities; beach access and re-nourishment; highways, roads, bridges, and streets providing access to tourist destinations; advertising and promotion related to tourism development; water and sewer infrastructure to serve tourism-related demand.
- provide proof of non-profit status with documentation from the South Carolina Secretary of State's Office
- be in the City of Columbia limits
- promote tourist traffic and dining in the City of Columbia (Columbia City Council defines a tourist as anyone traveling from outside city limits)
- complete all projects/events between January 1 and June 30, 2023 (3rd and 4th quarters of the fiscal year)
- complete and submit application for funding by noon Friday, October 28, 2022, for consideration
- market the event had make it open to the public, if funding is approved.
Complete H-Tax grant guidelines, rules for eligibility, and application can be found at grants.columbiasc.gov/grants-offered.
